MLB Players React to the Death of Angels Pitcher Tyler Skaggs
By Jerry Trotta
The Los Angeles Angels delivered devastating news to the world of baseball on Monday, announcing that left-handed pitcher Tyler Skaggs passed away in Texas.
To say that this came as a shock wouldn't even begin to describe it, and as expected, several high-profile figures of MLB took to Twitter to express their condolences.
We'll start with former big league pitcher Phil Hughes, who just shared lunch with Skaggs just a few short weeks ago.
We are too, Hughes. We are too.
Mike Trout, who has been close with Skaggs for several years, was devastated by the loss of his teammate.
He's crushed by the loss of his teammate and friend, and sent condolences out to Skaggs' wife.
Astros star infielder Alex Bregman was shaken up by the passing of his division rival, and took to Twitter to say a prayer for Skaggs.
Clearly, Bregman was just as shocked by the news as any of us.
This next photo, provided by Nelson Cruz, is bound to make you choke up. It confirms the widely regarded notion that Skaggs was as compassionate and kind-hearted as they come.
He loved to give back, and this photo of him at a children's hospital shows that he didn't take his platform as a professional athlete for granted.
Braves centerfielder Ender Inciarte was a teammate of Skaggs for just one season but still considered him a "brother."
Indians starter Trevor Bauer came up through the minor league ranks with Skaggs and his memoriam doesn't even need a description. It's that touching.
Rays reliever Ryan Sheriff was a little league teammate of Skaggs'. More importantly, they were best buds.
If the previous posts didn't really dig deep into just how beloved Skaggs was as a person, this post by ESPN reporter Alden Gonzalez will definitely do the trick.
Current Angels teammate, pitcher Parker Bridwell, like all of us, is finding it difficult to come to terms with today's developments.
And finally, Angels beat writer Fabian Ardaya just spoke to Tyler on Sunday stressing how badly he wanted to step on the mound at Dodger Stadium.
So, so powerful. And so, so heartbreaking.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Carli, and the rest of his family.
Rest easy, Tyler Skaggs.